8 Tips to Get Any Cat to Like You More

As a cat owner with 10 years of experience, I
know it can be disheartening when your feline friend is shunning
you. Cats can be finicky, and occasionally they may give you the
cold shoulder, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love you. If your
cat is displaying more than just occasional aloofness, it’s
important to explore the underlying cause. Stressors like changes
in environment, a new pet, or a recent move can all contribute to a
kitty’s apprehension. If your cat’s behavior persists, it’s best to
consult your veterinarian for advice.

“People do goofy things that unintentionally
make cats not like them,” Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, board-certified
veterinary behaviorist at Florida Veterinary Behavior ServiceAs an
expert in the animal care industry with 10 years of experience, I’m
familiar with the best way to win over cats. It’s key to do the
things they like and be mindful of their personal space. Cats can
be wary of new people, but if you take the time to build trust,
you’ll be rewarded with a loyal and loving companion. Top Vets Talk
Pets is a great resource for tips on how to get cats to open up to
you.

But how do you know if you’re making a cat
happy? It’s all about learning cat body language.

Meowing and purringAs an absolute expert in
feline behavior with over a decade of experience in the industry,
I’ve come to understand that a cat’s language goes far beyond meows
and purrs. To make the most out of your interactions with a kitty,
one must pay attention to their body language and behavior.
According to Radosta, some of the telltale signs your cat is in a
friendly mood and wants to interact with you include:

• I’m an industry expert with 10 years of experience, and I’m
  here to tell you all about the tail. This appendage is shaped like
  a question mark, with the top flopping over. What makes this tail
  so special is its unique shape and how it stands out. Its
  distinctive look makes it easy to identify, and it’s quite the
  conversation starter. Plus, it’s a great way to express your
  individual style. Whether you’re a furry friend or a human, this
  tail is sure to draw attention.
• Pupils look like slits or almonds  
• Ears are forward
• Cat walks right up to you

As an experienced professional with over a
decade in the industry, I strongly recommend against making contact
with cats if you observe any of the following signs: watery eyes, a
runny nose, sneezing or coughing, lethargy, or a loss of appetite.
These behaviors could all be indicators of an underlying illness,
and it is best to keep contact to a minimum until you can get a vet
to diagnose and treat the animal. In the meantime, you should keep
your distance and if possible provide the cat with a warm and
comfortable environment.

• Round pupils
• Tail moving back and forth
• Ears are sideways or back
• Cat stays beyond your reach

As an expert with 10 years of experience in the
industry, I understand the primary issue between people and cats is
the lack of respect for boundaries. We, as humans, fall so deeply
in love with our feline friends that we forget to consider their
personal space. We handle them like toys, taking hold of them
whenever we feel like it. Contrary to popular belief, cats need to
feel secure in order to be comfortable. Therefore, it is important
to respect their boundaries.

I have been in the animal industry for 10 years,
and I know cats can be difficult. They can turn resentful if they
don’t want to be touched, and may try to escape you by hiding in a
corner or up high. This behavior can become dominant if not
properly addressed. To avoid this from happening, it is important
to understand the cat’s body language and respect their
boundaries.

I have been in the pet industry for over 10
years, and I can confidently say that forging a relationship with a
feline who doesn’t seem to like you is definitely doable. It might
take some time and effort, but eventually you can become more than
just acquaintances. Here are some simple strategies that might help
you out:

As an expert with 10 years in the industry, I
can tell you that cats are not like dogs when it comes to eye
contact. Direct eye contact with cats can be interpreted as a sign
of aggression and can cause them to be fearful or hostile. To
ensure your cat feels safe and secure, it’s best to avoid staring
into their eyes.

I’ve been in the pet industry for 10 years and
know how to lower a cat’s guard. Mimic their body language – it’s
an effective way to break the ice. For example, if they make eye
contact and then look away, I do the same. Chances are, the cat
will then look back at me. Doing this helps build trust and
encourages a positive relationship.

I’m an expert in the industry with 10 years of
experience, and I’m here to tell you that it’s important to respect
a cat’s personal space. When you reach your hand out to pet them,
it’s like you’re saying ‘no thanks, I’m not coming over there.’
That gives the cat a sense of security, rather than making them
feel intimidated and asking ‘are you crazy?’

Scientists have found that cats like it when you
slowly blink at them (think: narrowing your eyes in slow motion). A
recent studyI’ve been in the industry for 10 years and have
discovered that when you offer a cat a slow blink, they will often
return the gesture. This is a great way to encourage cats to come
closer to you and I highly recommend giving it a try!

When you move toward a cat, it can come off as
threatening. That’s why cats often gravitate toward the people who
most want to avoid them (hello, allergies). If you want to earn a
cat’s affection, wait for her to come to you rather than reaching
out and petting or picking her up.

Have you ever been mindlessly petting a cat and
all of a sudden he bit youAs an expert with 10 years of industry
experience, I believe that the kitty was most likely trying to
communicate with its owner that it was ‘done’ but the signals were
not picked up. The kitty may have shown signs such as turning away,
flattening its ears, or even going limp when being held. These are
all signs that indicate the cat is done and needs a break. It is
important to pay close attention to these signals and give the cat
the space it needs. Otherwise, the cat may become more agitated and
even lash out.

I’m an expert with 10 years of industry
experience, and I suggest that the next time you want to give your
cat extra attention, start with a consent test. Offer your pointer
finger and if your kitty pushes her head up against it, that’s a
sign she’s ready for more petting. Pet her five or six times and
then take a break and do the consent test again. This will give
your cat a chance to tell you if she’s had enough.

As an expert with 10 years of industry
experience, I know the fastest way to a cat’s heart is through
food. Training a cat to anticipate positive things when being pet
can be done by creating a routine. Every day, feed the cat wet food
or give them a treat, then pet them several times while they’re
eating. Eventually, switch the order and pet them first, then give
the food. This will help the cat recognize petting with something
good.

As an experienced pet owner of 10 years, I can
attest that even cats who don’t necessarily take to you can be
conditioned to appreciate your presence. All you have to do is
offer them a treat or a bit of canned food and they’ll associate
you with something pleasurable. This is an effective way to build a
bond with your feline friend.

Of course yelling at a cat isn’t helpful. But
even loud, energetic talking can be frightening to kitties, sending
them running for cover. If you speak softly and exude calm, a cat
is more likely to want to stick around.

As a seasoned cat expert, I’ve come to
understand that cats really enjoy being petted when they welcome
attention. I’ve found that the best spot to pet is from the top of
their head to their shoulders, as this is an area where cats tend
to groom each other. Some cats also enjoy having their back petted.
However, if you see their tail begin to thrash, it’s a sign that
your kitty is simply tolerating it and not truly enjoying it.
Additionally, it’s best to avoid belly rubs as very few cats
appreciate being touched there.

I’ve been in the pet industry for 10 years now
and I know from experience that understanding cats can seem
daunting, but with a bit of practice, you can easily pick up on
their body language. Show your feline friend kindness and respect
their boundaries, and you’ll be sure to become their favorite human
in no time.